Buick Regal: Steering Column Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Steering Column Lock Control Module - Unlock.

For Vehicles with automatic transmission:

1. With foot OFF the brake pedal and the shift lever in the PARK position, press the ignition and start switch once. This will place the ignition system in the ACCESSORY mode and unlock the steering column for 5 minutes.
2. Turn the steering wheel to verify the steering column is NOT locked.

NOTE: Steering Column Lock Control Module Fuse

3. F23 Fuse@X51A Fuse Block - Instrument Panel - Remove.
4. With foot OFF the brake pedal and the shift lever in the PARK position, press the ignition and start switch once. This will place the ignition system in the OFF mode and leave the steering column unlocked as long as the steering column lock control module fuse is removed.

For Vehicles with manual transmission:

1. Set the parking brake.
2. With foot OFF the brake pedal and the shift lever in the NEUTRAL position, press the ignition and start switch once. This will place the ignition system in the ACCESSORY mode and unlock the steering column for 5 minutes.
3. Turn the steering wheel to verify the steering column is NOT locked.

NOTE: Steering Column Lock Control Module Fuse

4. F23 Fuse@X51A Fuse Block - Instrument Panel - Remove.
5. With foot OFF the brake pedal and the shift lever in the NEUTRAL position, press the ignition and start switch once. This will place the ignition system in the OFF mode and leave the steering column unlocked as long as the steering column lock control module fuse is removed.

WARNING: SIR Warning.

WARNING: SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage Warning.

2. Disable the SIR system.

3.

Steering Wheel - Remove.

4.

Steering Column Upper Trim Cover(1) - Remove.

5.

Steering Column Lower Trim Cover(1) - Remove.

6.

Steering Wheel Airbag Coil(1) - Remove.

7.

Turn Signal Switch Bracket(1) - Remove and DISCARD.

8.

Instrument Panel Knee Bolster(1) - Remove.

9.

Floor Front Air Outlet Duct - Left Side(1) - Remove.

10.

CAUTION: With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:

• The steering column
• The intermediate shaft(s)
• The steering gear

After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has become un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.

NOTE: Place match marks on the steering column shaft and the upper intermediate steering shaft to aid in installation.

Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft(1)@Steering Column - Separate.

11. Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors as necessary.

12.

Steering Column Nut(1) - Remove and DISCARD[4x].

13.

CAUTION: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column assembly on the end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column assembly could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the columns collapsible design. Do NOT hammer on the end of the shaft, because hammering could loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. If you need to remove the steering wheel, refer to the Steering Wheel Replacement procedure in this section.

Steering Column(1) - Remove.

14.

Steering Column Lock Control Module(3) - Remove.

15. If replacing the steering column, copy the match marks from the OLD steering column to the NEW steering column.

Installation Procedure

1.

WARNING: Before installing the steering column lock control module to the steering column, ensure that no fasteners or debris fall into the column. If fasteners or debris fall into the column, it will cause binding of the steering system, which may result in bodily injury or death.

Steering Column Lock Control Module(3) - Install.

2.

Steering Column(1) - Install.

3.

Steering Column Nut(1) - Install, but do NOT tighten[4x] - Use NEW nuts.

4.

CAUTION: Fastener Caution

Steering Column Nut(1) - Tighten in sequence[4x] 22 N.m (16 lb ft).

5. Connect the steering column electrical connectors.

6.

Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft(1)@Steering Column - Install.

7.

Floor Front Air Outlet Duct - Left Side(1) - Install.

8.

Instrument Panel Knee Bolster(1) - Install.

9.

Turn Signal Switch Bracket(1) - Install NEW.

10.

Steering Wheel Airbag Coil(1) - Install.

11.

Steering Column Lower Trim Cover(1) - Install.

12.

Steering Column Upper Trim Cover(1) - Install.

13.

Steering Wheel - Install.

14. Enable the SIR System.

NOTE: Steering Column Lock Control Module Fuse.

15. F23 Fuse@X51A Fuse Block - Instrument Panel - Install.

16. Center the steering angle sensor.

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